How to Use CNAME Setup on VergeCloud for Adding a Subdomain

Setting Up a Subdomain with CNAME on VergeCloud

Overview

The VergeCloud CNAME setup provides a simple and flexible way to route traffic for any specific subdomain through VergeCloud’s Network. This option is especially useful when you want all the performance and security benefits of the CDN without making changes to your existing authoritative DNS provider. Instead of shifting full domain control, you only configure a single subdomain, which keeps your current DNS structure intact while still enabling robust CDN features.

This method is widely used by SaaS companies, multi tenant platforms, and businesses that need to support customer branded subdomains. Since many organizations cannot or prefer not to move their entire domain DNS, the VergeCloud CNAME setup becomes the ideal middle ground. It allows you to route traffic, apply optimizations, activate SSL, and secure content delivery, all while maintaining flexibility on the DNS side.

When to Use CNAME Setup

The CNAME setup is particularly valuable for platforms that must handle customer specific domains or branded subdomains without asking customers to hand over full DNS authority. It also simplifies SSL management and strengthens security by centralizing control within VergeCloud.

Branded, Unencrypted Domains
Some businesses still operate subdomains or custom domains without SSL. Visiting such domains exposes users to security risks and weakens trust. By using VergeCloud, these domains can instantly benefit from secure HTTPS delivery without the customer needing to manually configure certificates.

Non Branded, Encrypted Domains
Many SaaS providers use their own SSL certificates to secure customer domains. Although functional, this often results in generic domain names that limit branding and can affect SEO visibility. VergeCloud supports dedicated SSL for each customer subdomain, preserving branding and improving professional appearance.

Branded and Encrypted Domains
Managing SSL certificates for a long list of customer domains is one of the biggest challenges for SaaS providers. Renewals, expirations, and manual validation can lead to downtime if not handled properly. VergeCloud automates certificate issuance and renewal through the CNAME setup, ensuring that every subdomain receives a valid SSL certificate without constant manual effort.

Step 1: Register the Subdomain in VergeCloud



Begin by logging in to your VergeCloud dashboard. Once you are inside the panel, choose the option to add a new subdomain. Enter the domain you want to serve through the CDN. When prompted, select the CNAME setup method and continue.

VergeCloud will then generate a unique CNAME destination record. This record is created specifically for your subdomain and will look something like this: 802d64fa68594323a174bdea336ae4e5.cname.vergedns.com

This CNAME value can be customized later if you need to structure it differently, but it is best to start with the recommended one.

For example, if your organization uses multiple branded domains for different departments or products, you would register each subdomain separately. Subdomains like blog.example.com or app.example.com can all be activated by using their respective CNAME records provided inside VergeCloud.

Step 2: Configure the CNAME Record at Your Registrar

After obtaining the CNAME record from VergeCloud, the next step is to configure it in your DNS provider.
  1. Open the DNS control panel provided by your domain registrar or DNS hosting platform.
  2. Locate the DNS records for the subdomain you want to route through VergeCloud.
  3. Remove any A records or older CNAME records that are already assigned to this subdomain, as they will conflict with the new configuration.
  4. Add a new CNAME record and point it to the exact value given by VergeCloud.
Example:
blog.example.com IN CNAME 802d64fa68594323a174bdea336ae4e5.cname.vergedns.com

Once you save this DNS record, allow a short time for propagation. Most DNS providers update within a few minutes, but full propagation may take longer depending on TTL settings.

As soon as VergeCloud detects the CNAME, the subdomain will appear as connected inside your dashboard.

Step 3: Activate SSL Certificate

Once DNS propagation is complete and VergeCloud confirms the connection, the subdomain will show an active status. At this point, you can proceed with SSL activation.

VergeCloud supports automated SSL issuance with Lets Encrypt using HTTP 01 validation. This means you do not need to manually upload keys or certificates. VergeCloud handles the entire certificate generation and renewal process.

If you want a detailed explanation, refer to the VergeCloud's free SSL Certificate 

Testing and Validation

To confirm that the setup is complete:
1. DNS validation: dig blog.example.com 
    Ensure it resolves to the VergeCloud CNAME address

2. SSL check : curl -v https://blog.example.com
    Verify that the SSL certificate is active and connections are secure

3.  Browser Test
     Open https://blog.example.com in your browser. The site should load correctly via VergeCloud’s CDN



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